Smartphone Proximity Card Emulation via Antenna Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often forget to carry proximity cards, which can prevent them from accessing functions like keyless door access or contactless payments, as these cards require physical presence and can be cumbersome to carry.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing device, such as a smartphone, is enabled to emulate a proximity card by storing identification numbers and using an antenna to communicate with proximity card readers, allowing it to respond as if it were a physical card, while also supporting wireless charging using the same antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a proximity card is used for wireless access, then convenience of access is improved, but the risk of losing or forgetting the card increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity card functionality with a smartphone by integrating an NFC antenna and card emulation software into the mobile device. This merging eliminates the need to carry a separate physical card while maintaining wireless access capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between convenience and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone creates a digital copy of the proximity card's identification data and emulates its functionality through software. This copying approach allows the smartphone to replicate the card's access function without requiring the physical card itself, solving the problem of forgetting or losing the original card.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate proximity card is carried, then access function is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone is designed to perform multiple functions including proximity card emulation, wireless charging, and general computing tasks. By making the smartphone universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated proximity cards, thereby reducing the number of items users need to carry while maintaining access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the proximity card function with the smartphone by integrating NFC hardware and card emulation software. This combination reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single device that users already carry for other purposes.
3Reliability
If an antenna is dedicated solely to proximity card communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna system that can operate in multiple modes: proximity card emulation mode, wireless charging mode, and general wireless communication mode. This multi-functional antenna design maintains communication reliability through proper mode switching while maximizing device versatility by eliminating the need for dedicated single-function antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the detected signal type and usage context. This dynamic adaptability allows the same antenna to reliably serve multiple functions including proximity card communication, wireless charging, and general wireless communication without compromising performance in any single mode.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution eliminates the need to carry separate proximity cards, providing convenient and secure access to functions like door access and contactless payments, with improved security against cloning and theft, and allows for easy provisioning over the air.
Implementation Method 1
A portable computing device may include an antenna, storage that stores an identification number, and a processor. The processor is configured to control modulation of the identification number onto a carrier signal received by the antenna from a proximity card reader device
Implementation Method 2
The processor is configured to control modulation of the identification number onto a carrier signal received by the antenna from a proximity card reader device to enable the portable computing device to emulate a proximity card
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that enable a portable computing device to emulate a proximity card. A portable computing device is provided that includes an antenna, storage that stores an identification number, and a processor. The processor is configured to control modulation of the identification number onto a carrier signal received by the antenna from a proximity card reader device. In this manner, an applicable function may be enabled, and the portable computing device emulates a proximity card. The antenna may be specific to proximity card emulation, or may be shared with other portable computing device functions, such as wireless charging.